Public school parents asked to complete federal impact survey

The Maui News – The state Department of Education is urging parents to complete a federal impact aid survey card.

Sent to parents Wednesday, the survey allows Hawaii public schools to qualify for partial reimbursement for educating federally connected children, such as those whose parents work or live on federal property.

Information on completed forms helps determine if a parent or guardian resides or works on federal property.

Congress created the program to help school districts that lose tax revenue because of a federal presence. Money received through the program can be used to hire teachers, purchase textbooks and computers, pay for utilities and more.

School officials ask that parents and guardians complete the surveys as quickly as possible.

“Federal impact aid funds contribute about $35 million annually and support all of our public schools statewide,” said Hawaii schools Superintendent Christina Kishimoto. “Each school is eligible to receive additional funds based on the number of surveys combined and returned, so we ask parents to support their school in maximizing access to these funds.”

The federal money benefits schools statewide and helps offset costs such as student transportation, school utilities, substitute teachers, portable classrooms and other necessities.

Every public school has a 100 percent return rate goal.

For more information, go to www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ParentsAndStudents/MilitaryFamilies/Pages/About-Impact-Aid.aspx.